UKC Ljubljana reports surge in severe injuries and helicopter rescues amid heatwave

The University Clinical Center (UKC) Ljubljana has seen a rise in severe injury cases this summer, contrary to the typical 25% seasonal decline. In recent days the centre treated 44 patients surgically, applied about 40 casts daily and transferred eight patients from other hospitals for further diagnosis and surgery. Deputy head of the urgent surgical block, Radoš Vidmar, warned residents to stay hydrated, avoid excessive sun exposure, limit mountain activities and refrain from jumping into water without checking depth.

Helicopter activity at the UKC heliport has also increased sharply, with more than 420 landings recorded this summer and an average of three rescue flights per day. Data from the Ministry of Defence show the Slovenian Armed Forces and police aviation units carried out 71 rescues in July and 58 in August, many in the Julian, Kamnik–Savinja and Karawank Alps. The surge is linked to higher outdoor temperatures and fatigue, prompting public safety advisories.